The climate of Miami
Situated in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of
Florida,
Miami experiences a tropical monsoon climate, classified as 'Am' under the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is characterized by hot and humid summer months and warm winters, with significant rainfall occurring throughout the year.
Across the year, the high temperatures vary from 73°F (22.8°C) in the cooler months to 87.1°F (30.6°C) in the warmer periods. The high temperature tends to peak at 87.1°F (30.6°C) during
August and declines to 73°F (22.8°C) by
December, indicating the subtropical nature of Miami's climate. The lower temperature ranges from 65.1°F (18.4°C) in the coldest months to 82.6°F (28.1°C) in the warmest.
The city experiences high relative humidity, alternating in the narrow range of 70% up to 75% throughout the year. Rainfall levels peak in the summer at 2.8" (71mm) in August, while the relatively drier winter months record lower rainfall, with December seeing just 0.75" (19mm). The proportion of cloudy days stands relatively stable around 30%, indicating a good deal of sunshine through the year.
The best time to visit Miami
The most pleasant months to visit
Miami are often neck and neck between
March and
May, when the weather is warm, but not overly hot, and rainfall is still relatively low. High temperatures in spring range from 73°F (22.8°C) to 82°F (27.8°C) and low temperatures remain between 65.1°F (18.4°C) to 77°F (25°C).
Furthermore, Miami boasts an extended daylight duration, with the daylight hours gradually increasing from 12 in March to a yearly high of 13.7 in
June. The number of sunshine hours also increases from 8.7 in March to a peak of 11.1 in
July, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Miami
Miami's heavy rainfall season, which falls between
June and
September, may not be the most appealing period for some visitors. The number of rainfall days climbs swiftly to a peak of 24.5 in September. Combined with high relative humidity, hovering above 70%, it creates a very humid and often uncomfortable climate.
Additionally, although the sea temperature peaks at 86.5°F (30.3°C), providing perfect conditions for beach-goers and swimmers, it is counterbalanced by the highest rainfall levels of the year, reaching up to 2.8" (71mm) in
August.
Spring weather in Miami
Spring in
Miami is marked by gradually rising temperatures, from a high of 73°F (22.8°C) in
March to a high of 82°F (27.8°C) in
May. Low temperatures also increase, ranging between 65.1°F (18.4°C) and 77°F (25°C). This period of the year is relatively dry with rainfall levels increasing from 0.43" (11mm) in March to 1.77" (45mm) in May.
The duration of daylight lengthens in this period from 12 hours to a year's second-highest 13.4 hours in May. The number of sunshine hours also rises, making Spring an ideal time to experience the beauty of Miami.
Summer weather in Miami
Summer in
Miami is characterized by high temperatures, with highs peaking at 87.1°F (30.6°C) and lows reaching up to 82.6°F (28.1°C). This season brings the most significant rainfall with a peak at 2.8" (71mm) in
August. On across the summer, the city experiences between 13.6 to 13.7 daylight hours and about 10.7 sunshine hours.
One significant aspect of Miami's summer is the high sea temperature, peaking around 86.5°F (30.3°C), which, combined with the substantial daylight and sunshine hours, makes for enjoyable beach days.
Autumn weather in Miami
Autumn in
Miami still carries a summer vibe in its early months with high temperatures in
September hovering around 85.6°F (29.8°C). However, by
November, the temperature drops to a mellow 77.9°F (25.5°C). Rainfall levels gradually decrease from 1.93" (49mm) in September to 0.83" (21mm) in November.
Acceptably warm sea temperatures persist throughout this season, starting at 85.4°F (29.7°C) in September and ending at a still-enjoyable 79°F (26.1°C) in November, providing an extended swimming season compared to most other locations.
Winter weather in Miami
Winter in
Miami is mild with high temperatures fluctuating from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in
December to a relatively cooler 73°F (22.8°C) in
February. The low temperatures vary between 69.4°F (20.8°C) and 72.3°F (22.4°C), making it warmer than most winter destinations.
Winter is the driest season in Miami with rainfall levels below 1 inch between December and February. The sunshine spans between 6.4 hours to 6.5 hours, attracting those seeking respite from colder, darker climates. Despite the reduction in sea temperature to 76.4°F (24.7°C) by the end of February, Miami winters still offer warm opportunities for ocean-related activities.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Miami,
Florida brings a mild and consistent climate. A remarkable trait of this month is the lowest yearly pressure at 30.11 in, dictating stable and predictable weather conditions. Although
January is the coldest month of the year, the days are still quite warm with ample exposure to sunlight complemented by fair visibility.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a gradual increase in temperature and sunlight duration in
Miami,
Florida. This month is notable for registering the lowest yearly wind speed, clocking in at an average of 11.1mph (17.9km/h). Relative to
January, a marginally more humid environment can be sensed, and this is accompanied by an uptick in temperature and a slight increase in rainfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Miami,
Florida transits into spring, temperatures continue to climb, indicating a transition towards the heat of the coming months. The wind speed picks up this month, recording an average speed of 11.6mph (18.7km/h), contributing to a refreshing breeze in the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the onset of higher temperatures and longer days in
Miami,
Florida, which continue to rise as summer throes approach. The unique point this month is the highest ever recorded visibility of 6 miles, making this period an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is the month when
Miami,
Florida starts experiencing significant indicators of the sizzling summer ahead. The distinct aspect of May is the sharp increase in rainfall to a whopping 1.77 in, signalling the start of the wet season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Miami,
Florida in
June is characterized by high heat and increased humidity, echoing typical tropical summer conditions. This month's uniqueness lies in the maximum temperature reaching up to 84.7°F (29.3°C). Compared to
May, temperatures and humidity levels are greater, but the weather does not get uncomfortably hot due to the cooling impact of the ocean.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Miami,
Florida brings the height of summer with it, accompanied by hot days and frequent afternoon rain showers. The most prominent weather feature of July is the soaring daytime temperature, reaching the year's maximum of 86.5°F (30.3°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the month when
Miami,
Florida experiences its peak summer weather conditions. The weather characteristic that stands out this month is the yearly maximum night-time temperature of 82.6°F (28.1°C). Compared to
July, the onset of August brings with it similar temperatures but with slightly more rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Miami,
Florida experiences a gradual decline in temperature marking the end of the sweltering summer season. The saturated air, attaining the year's highest humidity of 73%, is a significant feature this month. Compared to the preceding month, September is cooler yet maintains a similar pattern of afternoon thunderstorms.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Miami,
Florida experiences a significant decline in temperature and rainfall, signaling the onset of the dry season. A marked drop in rainfall to 1.65 in defines the climate situation this month. Compared to
September, October brings a much-needed reprieve from the heavy rains and high temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Miami,
Florida observes a substantial drop in temperature as the city moves into its winter season. Notably less rainfall and a decrease to 72.3°F (22.4°C) in night-time temperatures deem this month as the start of the cool season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Miami,
Florida displays pleasant weather conditions accompanied by comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. The distinctive attribute of December is the longest nights with an average length of 10.5 h. Relative to
November, December is further cooler and drier, maintaining the city's reputation for having a mild winter.
Weather in December »